Special Subjects

Technology

Our technology program emphasizes the need for our students to be digitally prepared to excel in an evolving technological landscape. This philosophy sets us apart from other learning disability schools. We strive to incorporate the 2016 Standards for Students, as designated by the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE), in our daily instruction.

With daily technology instruction integrated into their classes, we empower our students to take an active role in using technology to achieve their learning goals. Students learn to be responsible digital citizens. They learn how to engage in positive, safe, and ethical behaviors when using technology and managing their personal data. We teach students best strategies for planning research, locating information and other resources for intellectual and creative pursuits. Also, students learn methods to evaluate the accuracy and credibility of the information they gather. Laurel School students learn to communicate clearly and express themselves on a variety of platforms using tools, styles, formats and digital media that are appropriate for their goals. To meet curriculum standards, the students are provided with Google Chromebooks, iPads and other technologies and applications that are integrated into their daily learning activities to increase achievement in all areas.

Physical Education

Physical Education at Laurel School teaches both physical and social life skills. Students build physical strength and stamina through games and activities to engage gross motor and fine motor skills. Students have many opportunities to learn and master these skills, in order for them to develop an understanding of the importance of physical exercise throughout their lives. Social life skills are developed during each class, as students participate in activities that utilize teamwork to complete common goals. During these activities, students brainstorm and use “trial and error” to complete suggested activities. Students also learn how to engage in good sportsmanship in competitive activities, skills that will enable them to be successful in other life experiences.

Maker Space

At Laurel School, students are encouraged to approach problems with flexible thinking, perseverance, and creativity. Our maker space is specifically designed to provide an environment where students can develop and apply all these skills in open-ended,student-directed exploration. The maker space has work centers focused on architecture and planning, circuits, computer-aided design and 3-D printing, drawing, building, and creating with a variety of materials. The opportunities to use material and spatial reasoning, apply the engineering design process, or simply allow creative expression to open up their thought process, are plentiful. Students work collaboratively or independently, pursuing problems of individual interest or related to a curriculum topic.